What makes jewelry really fascinating is the fact that it comes in so many different forms, shapes, materials, sizes, designs, and varieties. An often less-discussed type of jewelry is marcasite jewelry and we, at P&K Jewelry, absolutely adore this form from the bottom of our hearts.
So, whether you know a bit about it or are completely unfamiliar with the term, here’s looking at some key aspects of marcasite jewelry, frequently asked questions about marcasite stones, and where you can buy high-quality marcasite jewelry from.
What is Marcasite Jewelry?
Any piece of jewelry made from the brittle stone called pyrite (a green-yellow, dark grey, or brassy-colored metallic stone) can be referred to as marcasite jewelry. However, by definition, marcasite is different from pyrite as a stone.
Marcasite is a granular gemstone that doesn’t have a refractive index and is quite brittle in nature – its hardness on the Mohs scale ranges between 6 and 6.5. It is a semi-precious reflective stone that stands out from the rest because of its stained-glass-like shine. Marcasite is orthorhombic in terms of its shape, with a pyramid-like structure.
Pyrite Vs. Marcasite – What’s the Difference Between the Two?
Pyrite, or “Fool’s gold,” is often confused with marcasite because they are similar in terms of appearance and physical characteristics. Marcasite is actually quite pale compared to pyrite and is often referred to as “white iron pyrite.”
Is Marcasite Jewelry Rare?
Marcasite has been a favorite gemstone for jewelers through the ages and its origins can be traced all the way back to the time of the ancient Greeks. Marcasite jewelry is a rare these days, but that’s not to say that it has lost its charm and popularity. In fact, its distinct look and uncommon appeal can really make you stand out in a crowd.
Where is Marcasite Found and Mined?
This opaque gemstone generally forms at low temperatures – if you are lucky, you might even stumble upon natural marcasite in a nondescript cave somewhere! It occurs naturally and abundantly in European countries like Austria, Bolivia, Czech Republic, Germany, England, and France; South American nations like Peru, and North American countries including Mexico and the United States (Kansas, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, and Illinois).
10 Interesting Facts About Marcasite Jewelry
You are likely to find tons of articles and guides that discuss various gemstones, including diamonds, rubies, cubic zirconia (CZ), emeralds, sapphires, pearls, and the like. However, marcasite is rarely discussed as a mainstream gemstone – even though it is one. Here’s looking at some fascinating facts about marcasite:
- Marcasite stones are harder to work with, given their inability to break apart in an even manner
- The stone is considered to have meditative and healing powers that aid introspection
- Marcasite is believed to have the ability to connect an individual to the spiritual world
- Various people from the world of art believe that the stone inspires creativity
- Marcasite jewelry exudes positive vibes and is said to push negative energy away
- Some naturopaths reckon the stone can help ward off mental fatigue
- Ancient Greeks are believed to be the pioneers of marcasite jewelry
- The Incas (South America) used the stone to create a variety of decorative items
- Marcasite jewelry was immensely popular in the Victorian era
- Miners in the 19th century called crystallized pyrite “marcasite”
Marcasite Jewelry Pairing and Styling Ideas
While there are no fixed rules around how you should wear your clothes, jewelry, and other accessories, it is important that you know what really works. Here are some outfit-and-jewelry pairing ideas (specific to marcasite jewelry):
- The darkish color of a marcasite stone means that you can pair it with any light-colored solid outfit
- A marcasite necklace looks great with formal attires, including shirts, skirts, and dresses
- Wear a tee inside a buttoned-down casual shirt and shorts and top it up with a chunky necklace for that easy-breezy look
- Marcasite pendants and matching earrings look fantastic when paired with evening gowns or black dresses
- Statement necklaces with casual tees and denims look absolutely stunning and create a bold look
- Marcasite necklaces look great with leather jackets, too, especially if you’re wearing a white tee or shirt inside
Where to Buy Quality Marcasite Jewelry (Wholesale)
The key to ensuring the highest quality of jewelry is finding the right place to buy it from. Whether you are a retail customer or a dealer who is looking for wholesale deals, P&K Jewelry is the right place for your jewelry needs. We flaunt a huge selection of versatile marcasite jewelry, including:
- Marcasite rings
- Marcasite earrings
- Marcasite bracelets
- Marcasite pendants
- Marcasite necklaces
- Marcasite bangles
- Marcasite wristwatches
- Marcasite jewelry sets
All our marcasite jewelry pieces are designed in combination with sterling silver as the base metal. You can also explore designs that feature other gemstones studded along with marcasite stones. Browse through our extensive catalog of marcasite jewelry (available in wholesale) now!